The Round Top Film Festival (RTFF), going into the 3rd year, is accepting film submissions for the 2026 festival, taking place November 12 - 15, in Round Top, Texas.

Founded by Shanna and Skylar Schanen, a dynamic mother-daughter duo, Round Top Film Festival embodies the spirit of creativity, education, and community enrichment. Nestled in an idyllic stretch of road halfway between Houston and Austin, Round Top has evolved from a quiet retreat to a vibrant hub of year-round activity. The Festival will contribute to its cultural growth while celebrating and preserving the unique charm of this special place.

Dubbed the ‘Aspen of Texas,’ Round Top is long renowned as an escape for curious creatives, worldly wanderers and style forecasters. The town is perhaps most notable for its bi-annual Round Top Antiques & Design Show, one of the largest and most prestigious in the United States. In addition to antiques, Round Top offers visitors a variety of shops, art galleries, and eateries to explore along with an array of boutique hotels and cozy retreats with five star amenities. Its historic buildings and beautiful natural surroundings add to its appeal, making it a beloved destination for those seeking a blend of culture, history, and Texas hospitality.

The centerpiece venue of the festival will once again be held at Round Top Festival Institute’s 210 acre campus, Festival Hill. Founded in 1971 by world-renowned concert pianist James Dick, the Concert Hall has been host to notable performances and educators from around the globe. Expect to enjoy screenings, parties, and industry networking opportunities, while enjoying the charm of a truly magical small Texas town.

Awards & Prizes

Audience Award:
Best Feature Film

Jury Award:
Best Live Action Short (Drama)
Best Live Action Short (Comedy)
Best Documentary Short
Best Texas Short

Rules & Terms

FEE WAIVERS NOT AVAILABLE

-Submission fee is non-refundable.

-Films that have been publicly broadcast in the United States and/or films that are publicly streaming online prior to the 2026 film festival are not eligible.

-Finished projects must be completed no earlier than August 2025 to be eligible for the 2026 film festival.

-You may submit as many entries as you like. Each entry must be accompanied by its own online entry and entry fee.

-The filmmaker will assume shipping costs of materials and DCP to RTFF.

-Films produced in languages other than English must have legible English subtitles.

-The selection committees' and juries' decisions are final.

-Entrants must assume all responsibility for clearing films through U.S. and/or foreign customs officials.

-Filmmakers must have obtained all clearances for exhibition and must certify that the work is original and no disputes regarding ownership exist with the film.

-All entries must be submitted through FilmFreeway by August 31, 2026.

-Round Top Film Festival accepts no responsibility for loss or damage of exhibition screeners (DCP, thumb drives, etc) during shipment to or from the Round Top Film Festival.

-Round Top Film Festival DOES NOT PAY SCREENING FEES for submitted films. By submitting your project, you acknowledge that the Festival will not pay to present your work.

-Films are screened on DCP and must be delivered in format requested by deadline set at time of acceptance.

-All Festival scheduling is purely at the discretion of the Round Top Film Festival programming department.

-The Round Top Film Festival (RTFF) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization, founded in 2024, committed to enriching our community through the power of film and the arts. Our mission is to ignite creativity, encourage learning, and provide a magical cultural experience that leaves audiences inspired. For more information on passes and events, visit www.roundtopfilmfest.org.

9 Reviews
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  • Katy McCarthy

    I had an amazing time at Round Top Film Festival! They were so generous and welcoming. I met some incredible folks and really appreciated the assistance with lodging. On a technical level, everything was tip top -- the screenings looked and sounded terrific. Also the parties were out of control good! Cannot wait to head back!

    June 2026
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  • Lindsay Nyman

    Round Top is a wonderful festival with great communication! As a filmmaker, I felt completely supported from start to finish. I am really grateful that my film They Call Me The Tattoo Witch was included and received the honor of Best Documentary Short! Thank you, Round Top!

    December 2025
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  • Marquel Skinner

    Absolutely loved the Round Top Film Festival. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming. The festival was very professionally done. All the venues used for screenings and events were beautiful.

    November 2025
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  • Ashley Davison

    Incredible weekend at Round Top Film Festival showing our TV pilot, “Average Joe Goes Vegan”! Met some super fun people and cannot say enough about the hospitality and flare rolled out from the festival organizers—truly a one-of-a-kind film fest. To say that we received the red carpet treatment would be an understatement. Thank you RTFF for showcasing our TV series; cannot wait for next year!

    November 2025
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  • Paul Stekler

    I've screened at the first two Round Top fests and loved it there. Great accommodations, easy access to films, especially in the wonderful classical music hall, and really nice folks running the festival. Nice parties too. And really nice place to show one's film work. Hoping to get back from a third year in a row in 2026.

    November 2025
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